news

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today announced the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan in Ann Arbor will receive $100,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program to help children eat more tasty, nutritious foods in school, while supporting farmers and producers in the community.

"Our children are the future of our country and it's critical that they have access to quality, nourishing foods as they learn and grow," said Dingell. "This funding from the USDA will ensure our children are receiving the necessary tools to learn about nutrition and agriculture through hands-on experiences while supporting our state's farmers and producers."

The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, in collaboration with community and State partners including Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University Extension, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, Michigan State Department of Education, and early care and education providers will implement the Harvesting Agricultural Knowledge, Resources, and Collaboration in Early Child Care project in rural communities in northern Michigan. The project will include a planning year to develop and implement a Farm to Early Child Care Institute in year two, guided around Michigan’s three pillars of farm to school--procurement, gardening, and nutrition agriculture education--as identified in Michigan’s Farm to Early Child Care Network’s 2023-2028 strategic plan. The Farm to Early Child Care Institute will offer an interactive virtual workshop, peer to peer mentoring, and an opportunity for providers to build relationships and collaborate across the State. 
 
This investment in the Farm to School Program supports the Biden-Harris Administration's National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to end hunger and increase healthy eating by year 2030.

Farm to school opens opportunities for children to learn about nutrition and agriculture through hands-on experiences, such as planting, watering, and harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The program can also provide a pathway for more children to achieve nutrition security, which is the consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe and affordable food.

More information about the impact of these grants across the country is available here.